POLLACK. 
81 
the surface, in pursuit of the younger fishes which are frisking 
in unsuspecting security near the shore, when the sea itself 
appears to be asleep. It is then that schools of the smaller 
Launce, and other fishes newly born, which swim near the 
surface, are broken in upon by repeated plunges, which 
disturb the quiet to a considerable distance; and as the 
affrighted companies again collect together, again and again 
there is a plunge, until the pursuers are glutted, or the 
pursued have reached a place of safety. 
It appears that even young Pollacks are persevering perse- 
cutors of fishes which are smaller or more helpless than 
themselves, of which the following incident, communicated by 
Mr. Peach, is an amusing instance: — A small Whiting was 
observed to have taken shelter within the hollow of a medusa, 
( Cyanea aurita,) a circumstance of common occurrence with 
very young fishes of several kinds; but in doing this the 
action was observed by a young Pollack of about five inches 
in length, which immediately began an attack. The little 
Whiting easily evaded these attacks by dodging round its 
friend; but the pursuer was soon joined by another of its 
own kind, and both of them united in the same work. For 
a time both of them were baffled; but an unlucky movement 
drove the pursued one from its shelter, and a severe chase 
immediately took place. Several additional Pollacks joined in 
this chase like a pack of hounds, and in terror the Whiting 
rushed to the surface. The pursuit was doubtful; but at last 
the hunted one became exhausted, and lay as if dead, so as to 
be drifted along with the tide. After a time, however, animation 
tvas recovered, and the little Whiting again found refuge 
within the cavity of the medusa. This movement, however, 
■'''as presently discerned by the congregated Pollacks, which 
allowed it little respite. They soon drove it into open water, 
and after a short chase it fell a victim to their violence, and 
this too without their proceeding to feed on the carcase. So 
eager were these Pollacks in the pursuit, that when stones 
■'vere thrown to drive them away they shewed no alarm, 
although at other times a single stone would have struck 
them with terror. 
Hr. Fleming says they are sometimes caught by employing 
a white feather as a bait — we must suppose at the surface; 
VOL. 111. M 
